14
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage, ,

The History of Mortgages From Ancient Times to Modern Loans

The idea of borrowing money to buy property may seem like a modern concept, but the foundation of the mortgage has been around for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to today's digital lending platforms, the mortgage has evolved alongside society's approach to property ownership, wealth, and security. Understanding where it began offers a fascinating look at how this essential part of homeownership came to be. Ancient BeginningsThe earliest forms of mortgages can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. In these societies, property owners could pledge land as security for a loan. If the borrower…
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11
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage, ,

Honoring Veterans Day, and Celebrating Homeownership

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication protect the freedoms that allow us all to call this nation home. As a mortgage professional, I am proud to support our veterans and active-duty service members through the VA home loan program. This incredible benefit helps make homeownership more affordable, with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. Thank you to all who have served, and to the families who stand beside you. Your strength inspires us every day. If you are a veteran or…
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24
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

How to Lower Payments Without Refinancing

Many homeowners want to reduce their monthly mortgage payments but hesitate to refinance. Refinancing can come with closing costs, new loan terms, and time-consuming paperwork. The good news is that there are several ways to lower your payment without refinancing.  Recast Your MortgageOne option is a mortgage recast. This allows you to make a large lump-sum payment toward your principal balance, which lowers your monthly payments for the remainder of the loan. The benefit is that your interest rate and loan term remain the same, but your payment drops because you owe less overall. Not all lenders offer recasting, but…
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27
Aug
By Todd Grey
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

Buying a home is more than a place to live, it is a path to financial growth, every mortgage payment builds equity, giving homeowners a valuable asset over time, unlike renting where monthly payments go to a landlord, homeowners are investing in their future, with the right mortgage strategy, owning a home can be one of the smartest financial moves you make. Stability and FreedomHomeownership offers stability and freedom to create a space that truly reflects your lifestyle, you can renovate, decorate, and plan for the long term without restrictions, for families, it provides a secure foundation, a community to…
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20
Aug
By Todd Grey
Home Buyer Tips, ,

How to Qualify for a Mortgage While Carrying Credit Card Debt

Many potential homebuyers worry that carrying credit card debt will prevent them from qualifying for a mortgage. While it is true that lenders carefully evaluate your financial profile, having credit card balances does not automatically disqualify you. By understanding how lenders view debt, taking strategic steps to improve your application, and choosing the right mortgage program, you can still achieve your goal of homeownership. Understand Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)One of the most important factors lenders review is your debt-to-income ratio. This is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments, including your future mortgage. A lower…
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